Electric oven lighter



c. M. HARDY ETAL 2,619,952 ELECTRIC OVEN LIGHTER Filed March 51, 1949fnvenl ar's'l Clarerwe MHarc and j? E .511 mile Patented Dec. 2,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC OVEN LIGHTER Clarence M. Hardy andRalph E. Biddle, Efiing- Borg-Warner Corporation, Chicago, 111., acorporation of Illinois Application March 31, 1949, Serial No. 84,654

ham, 111., assignors t Claims. 1

This invention relates in general to ignition devices for range ovensand other heating devices employing gas burners so that such gas burnersmay be conveniently and advantageously ignited with a minimum of effort,said ignition device being particularly characterized by the employmentof electric means selectively operable by the operator.

Heretofore, in ignition devices of this general class, flash tubes,trailer arms, and other methods of ignition flame travel have beenemployed to accomplish the purposes intended by the present invention.Such prior art devices comprised of elaborate and expensive means toeffect the operation of igniting a gas burner. Moreover, many apparentdifficulties have been encountered in that such devices were not foolproof and, in some instances, were dangerous in their operation.

It is recognized that in the prior art numerous attempts have been madeto provide an ignition device for gas and oil burners of this generalclass and efforts have been made to overcome the various deficienciesfound in such prior art structures, but to the best of the applicantsknowledge the prior art structures have had only limited success, andhave been accorded only limited commercial recognition. It is believedthat this fact results from apparent deficiencies of the prior artstructures, their nonadaptability for universal application and theirexpensive construction which so greatly increased the cost as toseriously handicap sales acceptance.

The present improvement in ignition devices and controls therefor isdirected to simplify their construction and their mode of operation, andalso to provide an ignition device and controls therefor which mayreadily and conveniently be employed universally to various appliancesemploying gas or oil burning elements presently being commerciallyexploited. Moreover, the present device seeks to employ conventionalparts Wherever necessary and possible, thereby to effect a substantialreduction in cost over the prevailing types of ignition devicespresently being employed.

Accordingly, an object and accomplishment of the invention is to providean ignition device for gas or oil burning elements, said ignition devicebeing particularly and advantageously applicable for employment in gasstoves and to effect ignition of the gas burning elements of the ovenchamber, said ignition device being particularly characterized in itssimple but sturdy construction and in its convenient, fool proof andsafe operation.

Another object and accomplishment of the invention is to provide animproved ignition device for employment adjunctively with conventionalgas or oil burning elements to eiiect ignition thereof without theemployment of a match or the employment of a constant burning as source.

A further object and accomplishment of the invention is to provide anignition device and controls therefor for the purposes intended andcontemplated herein which are particularly characterized in thearrangement wherein the ignition device provides and maintains a longeroperative period, the ignition coil being fastened o a movable mountingto permit the coil to be out of the direct flame when the burner is inoperation.

It is a more particular object and accomplishment of the invention toprovide an ignition device as contemplated herein wherein there isemployed a switch located in the electric system and associated with thedevice so that the electrical circuit is closed only when the system isto be mployed.

Another particular object and accomplishment of the invention is toprovide an ignition device and controls therefor for the purposescontemplated herein, said device having a safety feature in that theignition system is not operable unless a compartment door associatedwith an appliance wherein the device is being employed is fully opened.In this way the compartments containin the burner elements will not fillup with unburned gases to form an explosive mixture inside thesecompartments without the operators knowledge.

Another detailed object and accomplishment of the ignition devicecontemplated herein provides for the temperature inside a compartmentwherein the burner elements are employed to be the same as roomtemperature when the ignition system or burner is not in operation.

The invention seeks, as a final object and accomplishment, to provide anignition system and controls therefor as contemplated herein andcharacterized by an arrangement Of parts to more advantageously andsatisfactorily perform the function required of it and adapted toprovide a compact unit which will successfully combine the factors ofstructural simplicity and durability, and yet be economical tomanufacture.

Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention disclosedherein will be apparent to persons skilled in the art after theconstruction and operation are understood from the within description.

It is preferred to accomplish the various objects of the invention andto practice the same in substantially the manner as hereinafter morefully described, and, as more particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims.

With the above and other incidental objects in view, the invention hasother marked improvements and superiorities which radicallydistinguishes it from presently known structures, these improvements inthe invention residing in the novel construction and cooperativefunction of the parts thereof, the combination of the parts and thearrangement thereof as illustrated in the drawing and which will be morefully described hereinafter and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawing on which there is shown a preferredembodiment of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a top plan elevational view of an ignition system foremployment adjunctively to gas or oil burning elements and embodying thefeatures of the present invention, this view showing some of thecomponent parts thereof in section to more clearly illustrate theconstruction thereof; and

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of a handle element forming a componentpart of the ignition system depicted in Fig. 1, said view being takensubstantially on the plane of the line 2-2 in Fig. 1.

The drawing is to be understood as being more or less of a schematiccharacter for the purpose of illustrating and disclosing a typical orpreferred form of the improvements contemplated herein and in thedrawing like reference characters identify the same parts in the severalviews.

As one possible example of advantageous employment of and controlstherefor, reference is made to the drawing, particularly Fig. 1, whereinthere is illustrated the ignition system and controls therefor withwhich the invention is particularly concerned and designated in itsentirety by the numeral as being operatively associated, for example,with a conventional oven compartment of a gas burning range designatedin its entirety by the letter A, said ignition system and controlstherefor being adjunctively employed for example, with conventional gasburning elements operatively disposed in the range A and designated intheir entirety by the letter B. The illustrated range A may comprise anoven chamber 22 having a side wall 23, a back wall 24 and an open endprovided with a hinged door as at 2'5, said range having a range backwall 28 actin as a casing enclosing the oven compartment 22 and variousother elements of the range (not shown).

Suffice it to say, since the invention is not particularly concernedwith the precise construction of the illustrated range and/ or itsassociated parts, they will not be further described in detail, and itis deemed sufiicient for all intentions and purposes herein contained toshow only portions adjacent to and cooperating with the ignition systemand controls therefor contemplated herein. It is to be understood thatdetails of construction of such ranges or other appliances with whichthe ignition system contemplated herein may advantageously be employedand/or their associated parts may be modified to suit particularconditions or to satisfy the engineering genius of various competitivemanufacturers the contemplated ignition service and in some instancesthe contemplated ignition system and controls therefor may beadvantageously employed in other types of appliances employing gas oroil burning elements, and I do not wish to be limited to theconstruction of these elements as set forth except where suchconstruction particularly concerns the invention contemplated herein.

Having thus described, by way of example, a possible adaptation of theignition system and controls therefor generally indicated at 23 and ascontemplated herein, and having described the general environmentsurrounding the adaptation, the specific construction and cooperativefunctions of the parts of said ignition system and controls thereforwith which the present invention is particularly concerned will now bedescribed in detail.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention depicted in Fig. 1, theignition system 20 with which the present invention is particularlyconcerned comprises, in general, an ignition coil assembly designated inits entirety by the numeral 33 and being operatively disposed on endportions of a lighter arm 3| carried for pivotal movement by a bracket32 which is secured to the rear wall 24 of the oven compartment, aresistance element or transformer 33, 'a switch '34 in circuit with saidresistor or transformer 33, and controls 35 operatively associated withthe lighter arm 3i and the switch 3Q whereby the lighter arm 3! may bebrought into its gas igniting position'and whereby the switch ispermitted to operate to close the circuit, each of such actions beingresponsive to manual actuation of a control lever designated in itsentirety by the numeral 31.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 1, the ignition coil 36 comprises awire element 49 twisted to define the shape as shown and formed, forexample, of Nichrome wire, said wire element 40 having end portionsrespectively secured to the lighter arm Si by bolts il and 52. It isnotable that suitable insulation is disposed between the wire element itof the electrical ignition coil 30 and the lighter arm 3!. Thisinsulation may comprise washers 44 and 45 respectively associated withthe bolts 61 and &2. Suitable insulation plates 46 and M, which may beformed of shellac bonded mica are provided to effect proper insulationof the. ignition coil from the lighter arm 3!.

The lighter arm 31 may be formed of a channel shaped structure as shownand is mounted on the bracket 32 for pivotal movement in a horizontalplane between the position shown in full lines and the position shown indotted lines in Fig. 1. When the lighter arm is moved into the dottedline position it can be seen that the ignition coil is in closeproximity to the conventional gas burner element B.

Carried by the back wall 25 and mounted thereon :by any convenientmeans, such as, for example, bolts 58 and SI, is the resistor element33. In some adaptations it may be well to employ a transformer insteadof the resistor element 33 as shown. The resistor element 33 functionsto regulate and provide a proper flow of current to r the ignition coil49.

Particular attention is invited to the switch 34 which may be of anyconventional design and is provided with normally open contacts and aspring pressed plunger 54 having end portions arranged to be in intimatecontact with a spring 55 having one end 53 thereof fixedly secured toand carried by a flange 5'! of a bracket 58 which is secured to theouter face of the range back wall 26. The other end portions 59 of thespring 55 are provided with a suitable aperture arranged to receive endportions of a tie rod 38 forming part of the control mechanism 35. It isnotable that the switch is mounted on the bracket 58 and is held in afixed position by means of the lock screw 6 It can be seen that theswitch 3 4 is provided with two electrical connections 62, 63, theconnection 62 being arranged to receive end portions of suitableelectric wire forming the negative side of the circui The connection 63is arranged to receive end portions of a suitable wire 64 the electricWire 65 is arranged as shown to connect the resistor element 33 with thebolt 42, and, the bolt 4! having connected thereto end portions of asuitable Wire '66 forming the positive side of the electrical circuit,thereby to complete the electric circuit.

Referring handle 31 may be mounted as shown on the side Wall 23 of theoven compartment 22 for pivotal movement in a vertical plane by means ofthe pivot pin 16] and the handle 31 may be provided with a fingerreceiving portion 1! defining a substantially horizontally projectingflange to effect a degree of leverage in its operation.

End portions 12 of the tie rod 38 forming a part of the control 35 aresecured by any convenient means to a leg 13 of the handle 31.

Attention is invited to Fig. 1 wherein end portions 80 of the lighterarm 3| are secured to the tie rod intermediate the ends thereof by meansof a suitable pin 81 having portions arranged to be received into aslotted aperture 82 disposed in the end portions 89 of the lighter arm.

In referring to Fig. 1, it can be seen that movement of the fingerreceiving portion 1| in a vertical plane will cause the tie rod 38 tomove rearwardly in the oven chamber. By virtue of the connection betweenthe lighter arm and the tie rod 33 intermediate the ends thereof, themovement of the tie rod 38 will cause the lighter arm to assume itsdotted line position as shown, and, simultaneously with this operation,the spring 55 will be caused to assume its dotted line position whichwill permit the plunger 54 to move outwardly of the switch to close thecontacts which will complete the circuit and cause electrical current toflow into the ignition coil '40, the combined operations as aforesaidbeing effective to ignite the gas emanating from the burner element B.

After the ignition coil 40 has performed its service and pressure on thefinger receiving portion 1| is released, the spring 55 will cause thetie rod 38 and handle 31 to assume their normal positions and, in thesame operation, efiec-t movement of the lighter arm to its inoperativeposi tion and open the contacts of the switch 34, thereby to break thecircuit.

In order to provide absolute safety in the operation of the devicecontemplated by this invention, the handle 31 is operatively disposedwithin the oven compartment which requires the full opening of thecompartment door 25 before the ignition device may be operated. In thismanner the oven and burner compartments will not fill up with unburnedgas to form an explosive mixture inside these compartments without theoperators knowledge.

Moreover, the movement of the lighter arm between operative andinoperative positions proconnected with the resistor element 33, and,-

more particularly to Fig. 2, the

vides longer life to the device since none of the parts thereof are indirect contact With the flame when the burner element B is in operation.A further advantage in the contemplated device is the function of theswitch 34 in regulating the current supply to the ignition coil 40 sothat only momentary operation of the ignition coil is necessary toeifect ignition of the gas from the burning element B and when thelighter arm is in its inoperative position the current is shut oii untilit is needed to ignite gases of the burner element B.

The operation of the device is as follows: Particular attention isinvited to the disposition of the handle 31 within the confines of theoven chamber 22 so that it is absolutely necessary to open the ovencompartment door 25 in order to operate the device. This provides safetyin the operation of the device because the opening of the ovencompartment door 25 will prevent unburned gases to form an explosivemixture inside the compartment without the operators knowledge.

After the oven door is opened the handle 31 is pressed downward slightlywhich action will cause the tie rod 38 fastened to the lighter arm 31which supports the ignition coil 30 to move the ignition coil in closeproximity to the burner element B as illustrated in dotted lines inFig. 1. At the same time, the tie rod 38 which moves the lighter arm,displaces the spring 55 and switch plunger 54 to close the electrical.circuit and energize the ignition coil.

When pressure is removed from the handle 31, the spring 55 will forcethe rod to move in the opposite direction, which action will cause thelighter arm and ignition coil to move away from the burner and assumeits inoperative position as illustrated in full lines in Fig. 1. At thesame time, the spring will move the switch plunger 54 to open theelectrical circuit and deenergize the ignition coil.

It can be seen that the provision of the movement of the lighter armbetween operative and inoperative positions provides definite advantagesin maintaining a longer operative period without necessitating repair orreplacement because the ignition coil is out of the direct flame whenthe burner is in operation and the ignition device is in its inoperativeposition.

Moreover, the ignition device contemplated herein may be advantageouslyemployed adjunctively with conventional fuel burner elements to effectignition thereof without the employment of a match or the employment ofa constant burning source.

From the foregoing disclosure, it may be observed that we have providedan improved ignition device for gas burner elements which eiiicientlyfulfills the objects thereof as hereinbefore set forth and whichprovides numerous advantages which may be summarized as follows:

1. structurally simple, efficient and durable;

2. Economical to manufacture and readily adaptable to mass productionmanufacturing principles; and

3. The provision of an ignition device for gas burning elements, saidignition device being particularly and advantageously applicable foremployment in gas ranges to eifect ignition of the gas burning elementsof the oven chamber, said ignition device being particularlycharacterized in its simple but sturdy construction and in itsconvenient, fool proof and safe operation.

While we have illustrated preferred embodilighter merits of.Ourinven-tion, many modifications may be made "without departing fromthe spirit of ourinvention, and we do not wish to be limited to theprecise details of construction set forth, but :WiSh to avail ourselvesof all changes within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. An ignition device comprising a lighter arm iulcrumed for movement ofone or" its end regions toward and from a fuel burner; an ignition coilcarried :by said arm end region; means defining an electrical circuit inwhich said coil is interposed; a switching device including a switchhaving a plunger in said circuit maintained in normally open position; aspring sure on said switch plunger for holding said switch in said openposition; a longitudinally reciprocal shift rod having an operativeconnection with the other end region of said lighter arm and said springand yieldably held in an inactive position by said spring; and a leverconnected to said reciprocal shift rod for moving said shiit rod out ofa normally inactive position in opposition to said spring thus causingsaid lighter arm to position said ignition coil adjacent the fuelburner, such movement of said shift rod being effective to releasepressure of said spring on said plunger for closing the circuit throughsaid switch to said ignition coil.

2. A gas range having an oven therein defined by a plurality of ovenwalls spaced from the range walls, and a gas burner in said oven; andmeans for igniting said burner comprising a lighter arm pivoted on anoven wall remote from said burner and being movable at one end intoclose proximity to said burner; an electrical ignition coil on saidmovable end of said arm; means defining an electric circuit in whichsaid coil is interposed; a switching device including a normally open'switchin saidcircuit andmounted on the exterior of a range wall; anelongate control member extending through a range wall and an oven walland including means having operative connection with said switch, anintermediate portion of said member having connection with said lighterarm at one side of the pivot of said arm; and a manually operated leverwithin the oven and fulcruined on a wall thereof and having operativeconnection with said control member.

3. In a gas range having an oven herein defined by a plurality of evenwalls spaced from the range walls, and a gas burner insaid oven;ignition means for said burner comprising lighter arm pivoted on an ovenwall remote from said burner and being movable at one end into closeproximity to said burner; an electrical ignition coil on said movableend of said arm; means defining an electric circuit in which said coil'is interposed; a switching device including a normally open switch insaid circuit and mounted on the-exterior of a range wall; anelongatelongitudinally reciprocable control member extending through a rangewall and an oven wall and including resilient means having operativeconnection with said switch, an intermediate portionoi said memberhaving connection with said arm at one side of the pivot or said arm;and a manuallyoperated lever within the oven and fulcrumed on a wallthereof and having operative connection with said control member saidcontrol member being effective to cause said resilient means to closesaid normally open switch and activate said ignition means and beingeffective to cause said lighter arm to move said exerting pres- Iignition means into close proximity to said gas burner.

l. The combination with a gas range having anoven therein defined by aplurality or oven walls spaced from the range walls, and a gas burner insaid oven, of an ignition device comprising a lighter arm disposedwithin said oven and fulcrumed for movement of one end thereof betweenoperative and inoperative positions with respect to the gas burner, anignition coil carried by said end, means defining an electrical circuitin which said coil is interposed, a switching device including anormally open switch in said circuit and disposed on the exterior of arange wall, control means for said arm and said switch comprising anoperable reciproc-able elongate member having operative connection withthe other end of said lighter arm and with end portions thereofextending through a wall of the oven and a wall of the range foroperative connection with said switch, spring means connecting saidelongate member with said switch, the movement of said elongate memberin one direction being efiective to close said switch in opposition tosaid spring and also to position said ignition coil adjacent the gasburner, said spring means being effective to move said elongate memberin a reverse direction to displace said ignition coil :and beingeffective to allow said switch to move to its normallyopen position.

5. In a gas range having an oven therein defined by a plurality of wallsspaced from the range walls, and a gas burner in said oven, an ignitiondevice comprising in combination, a lighter arm fulcrumed for movementof one end thereof between operative and inoperative positions withrespect to said gas burner, an ignition coil carried by said end, meansdefining an electrical circuit in which said coil is interposed, aswitching device including a normally open switch and a spring operatedplunger in said circuit and maintained in open position and mounted onthe exterior of a range wall, 'and'control means for said lighter armand switch ,comprising .a longitudinally reciprocable rod, ,a pivotalconnection between said rod and saidlighter arm, manually operable meansconnected to said longitudinally reciprocable rod and disposed withinthe oven and adapted to move said rod in one direction to operate saidspring plunger to close said circuit and also to position said ignitioncoil adjacent the fuel burner, and spring means for moving said rod in areverse direction to displace said ignition coil, said spring meansbeing effective to move said switch plun er to normally open saidelectrical circuit.

CLARENCE M. HARDY. RALPH E. BIDDLE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 668,708 Bernhardt Feb. 26, 1901686,583 Brasn-an 1- Nov. 12, 1901 1,575,170 Knopp Mar. 2, 1926 1,655,458Dolfi Jan. 10, 1928 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 120,960 GreatBritain Nov. 26, 1918 108,660

Switzerland May 16, 1925

